Health and Safety Podcast Transcript: June 13, 2012

Hello, and welcome to the Fairfax County Health and Safety Podcast
for June 13, 2012. I’m Jim Person, Fairfax County emergency
information officer. Coming up, learn about the “Private Sector
Resources Catalog,” summer safety and Ready Business. Links to
topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov.

The “Private Sector Resources Catalog,” originally released in
May 2010, centralizes access to all Department of Homeland Security
resources targeted to the private sector. This includes small and large
businesses, academia, trade associations and other non-governmental
organizations. It collects the training, publications, guidance, alerts,
newsletters, programs and services available to the private sector from
across DHS. To view the catalog, visit www.dhs.gov.

Every year we look forward to summer vacations, camping, family
reunions, picnics and the Fourth of July. Summertime, however, also
brings fires and injuries from outdoor cooking and recreational fires.
Annually, there are almost 3,800 Americans injured by gas or charcoal
grill fires. Knowing a few fire safety tips and following safety
instructions will help everyone have a safe summer.

Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used
indoors, or in any enclosed spaces such as tents, they pose both a fire
hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential
asphyxiation.

Position the grill well away from siding, deck railing and out from
under eaves and overhanging branches.

Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and foot
traffic.

Keep children and pets from the grill area; declare a 3-foot "safe
zone" around the grill.

Put out several long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of
clearance from heat and flames when cooking.

Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below the grill so
it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.

Ready Business, at www.Ready.gov/business, helps
business owners and managers of small and medium-sized businesses prepare
their employees, operations and assets for an emergency. It contains
vital information on how to get started and how to adapt for their unique
needs during an emergency. Another FEMA publication, the “Emergency
Management Guide for Business & Industry,” provides step-by-step
advice on how to create and maintain a comprehensive emergency management
program. It can be used by manufacturers, corporate offices, retailers,
utilities or any organization where a sizable number of people work or
gather. Whether you operate from a high-rise building or an industrial
complex; whether you own, rent or lease your property; whether you are a
large or small company; the concepts in this guide apply. Visit www.Ready.gov/business for more
details.

That’s it for this edition of the Fairfax County Health and Safety
Podcast, produced by the Fairfax County, Virginia government. Thanks for
listening. Additional information about health and safety topics and
emergency preparedness may be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov. And
remember, if you have a police, fire or medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
For non-emergency needs, call 703-691-2131.